Meanwhile, the club have reportedly held off late interest from rivals Manchester City to bring in 15-year-old winger Venacio da Silva Monteiro after he also left his club Benfica earlier this year to have a trial at Carrington.

The move from United drew attention from across the city but it appears the red side of Manchester will be the Portuguese youngster’s preferred destination.

It follows on from the stories last week that United are also watching 18-year-old Kevin Mendez very closely and further puts aide the myth that the club are losing their identity after allowing Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley to leave the club.

But despite criticism after the transfer window shut in September, Louis van Gaal has kept faith with the young talent within Old Trafford with the likes of Patrick McNair, Tyler Blackett and James Wilson all making regular appearances at different points of the season.